His lungs burned as he chased Lonnie around the last bend of the track. Ever since they started training together outside of class, she was more competitive. Constantly challenging him to races during morning warm-ups or even just going back to the dorms before lunch. Sometimes she even got Ben involved. Today though it was just the two of them, and he passed her just as they finished the last lap.

Bending over, Lonnie put her hands on her knees. "Gods fucking damnit," she panted. "One of these days I'll beat you."

"Good luck with that," he laughed as he fought to catch his breath. Gods, he hadn't expected to find a rival in Auradon. At least not one as good as Gil. Fuck was he wrong.

When it was finally time to spar, Jay didn't wait for Coach Brolk to tell everyone to pair up to go get the training swords. No one was going to take him on as a partner. And that was fine by him. He enjoyed sparring with Lonnie. She was strong and capable and a fair teacher.

So when he turned around to find Chad, he swore under his breath. "The fuck do you want?"

"I'm going to be your training partner today," Chad smirked. "I need a change of pace in this class. You'll do nicely."

"Yeah right," Jay snorted. Swords in hand, he moved to join Lonnie, and Chad got in his way. "Move."

"No. I don't remember giving you a choice," Chad smiled. "You're my training partner today."

Over Chad's shoulder, Jay caught Lonnie's eye. Her gaze went from him to Chad and back again before she shrugged. Switching up partners could be good practice, and there wasn't exactly anything she could do about it without playing favorites.. Besides, sparring with the same person could create bad habits. But if he was going to get his ass handed to him, he'd rather it be Lonnie. The last thing he needed was for Chad to know he couldn't actually beat him.

When Chad reached for one of the training swords, Jay stepped back. "Get your own," he smirked as he put away the one for Lonnie.

Smirk turning into a sneer, Chad stomped past him and grabbed one.

"Everyone ready?" Coach Brolk shouted. "Begin."

This was going to fucking suck. This was the last thing he wanted to do, letting an enemy know just how easy he was to take out. At least with Lonnie he had the excuse of her learning from her parents her entire life. Frowning, Jay took his stance. Across from him, Chad propped his sword up on his shoulder. "You're going down, Isle brat."

His entire stance was off. Did this dumbass pay any attention in class? What the fuck? No. Only idiots underestimated their opponents. He'd already done that in Auradon and he refused to do that again. Even against Chad. So it was better to let him make the first move.

"Scared?" Chad taunted. "It's only natural. You aren't facing some pathetic chick anymore and she kicked your ass all the time. How weak are you guys? Are your parents even that scary?"

"You're even dumber than you look," Jay snorted. "Maybe you should've challenged Lonnie."

"I'll put her in her place later. You villain invaders need to be taken out first."

Invaders? Was he fucking serious? They had no choice about whether or not they came here. Ben sent the summons for fuck's sake. And put Lonnie in her place? Chad was just asking to die. Gods Jay hated this prince.

Before Jay could reply, Chad swung the sword off his shoulder. "And I'm going to be the one to do it," he said as he charged forward.

Two steps to the side and Jay circled the prince, easily avoiding the strike. Growling, Chad staggered to catch his balance. Careful to stay out of range, Jay watched Chad whirl around to face him. There was something in the prince's eyes and Jay smirked. Maybe he couldn't beat the bastard, but he could annoy the hell out of him.

This time when Chad struck, Jay met it, their swords crashing together. And Chad's strike wasn't as strong as Jay expected. Curious, Jay disengaged and paced around his opponent. As predicted, Chad charged again. Parrying, Jay smirked. Chad wasn't good. Not even close.

A few feints, a few parries, and Jay knew what to do.

The next time Chad retreated a few steps, Jay followed. No way was he letting the prince go. The dumbass challenged him and Jay was going to teach him why that was a big mistake. This prince kept targeting his pack and picking fights and Jay was sick of it. Even better, he could do something about it.

Eyes widening, Chad scrambled back and Jay didn't give an inch. Closing the distance, Jay struck and Chad's sword fell to the ground.

"So, if I'm weak, what are you?" Jay mocked, resting the tip of his sword against Chad's chest.

"You obviously cheated," Chad snapped. "Coa-"

Another sword joined Jay's, cutting Chad off.

"You lost fair and square," Lonnie smiled with too many teeth. "This is what happens when you don't train. Now fuck off."

"But-"

"Move your ass, Chad," Lonnie ordered, flicking her wrist a little to smack him with the sword and the prince scampered off.

As he joined his friends, Jay snorted. "Fucking pathetic," he muttered.

Laughing, Lonnie nodded. "Yeah. That about sums up a lot of the nobles and royals around here." With a shrug, she turned her back on Chad to face Jay fully. "Not bad by the way. Way to kick ass."

Jay hesitated a second before admitting, "I didn't think I'd win."

It was Lonnie's turn to snort. "Please. As if you would lose to a lazy ass like him. You train and actually give a shit. He just does it to be cool. Now come on. I want my training buddy back."